So, I guess? there are no more mechanical card readers?

I carry my CC everywhere I go but I never go anywhere without a couple hundred in cash, just in case. Taught my kids to do the same. There's been more than once when I have entered a store grabbed a few items only to get to the register and they say that their card reader is down and can't accept CCs. Or you stop to get gas in the middle of nowhere and they don't take CCs. There are very few places who will turn down cash!!